WO2024008430A1

WO2024008430A1 - Front structure of an electric motor vehicle equipped with sound generator

Info

Publication number: WO2024008430A1
Application number: PCT/EP2023/066471
Authority: WO
Inventors: Armand GHIRARDINI; Quentin Seigneur
Original assignee: Ampere S.A.S.
Priority date: 2022-07-05
Filing date: 2023-06-19
Publication date: 2024-01-11
Also published as: FR3137653B1; FR3137653A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a front structure of an electric motor vehicle, comprising: two front lateral side-members (10) each having a front end and an outer face opposite an inner face, the respective outer faces of said two side-members being opposite each other; two wheel arch plates respectively running along the outer faces of said two front side-members; and a sound generator (94) suitable for generating a warning sound. The structure comprises a connecting part (28) designed to be mounted in a fixed position on one of the two front lateral side-members (10), said connecting part (28) having a receiving area (30) for receiving the sound generator (94) so as to be able to rigidly connect said sound generator to the aforementioned one of the two front lateral side-members (10).

Description

Title of the invention: Front structure of an electric motor vehicle equipped with a sound generator

[The present invention relates to a front structure of an electric motor vehicle comprising a sound generator.

Electric motor vehicles are equipped with new functions and new equipment that did not exist on thermal vehicles. This applies in particular to the direct current fast charging socket wiring as well as the alternating current charging socket cable, and also to the sound generator which makes it possible to simulate the noise of a traditional thermal motor vehicle, particularly in built-up areas. low speed.

Also, in order to be able to produce inexpensive electric motor vehicles, we retain, as far as possible, the elements of thermal motor vehicles without any real modification. And what’s more, we try to keep the same assembly processes.

However, cabling with a relatively large linear mass requires the provision of cable trays and special fasteners regularly spaced from each other in order to hold it there.

For certain models, a cable tray extends above the front wheel arch and joins, on one side, the charging connectors leading to the outside, and on the other side, extends back under the front spar inside the vehicle to then join the accumulator batteries in particular.

Furthermore, the sound generator must necessarily be installed on parts of the motor vehicle having a relatively large inertia mass so that the mechanical vibrations it generates are not absorbed at least partially by said parts, and that they are sufficiently audible outside the vehicle, without being annoying for the driver.

In addition, the sound generator must be rigidly attached to said part of the vehicle.

Also, a problem which arises and which the present invention aims to resolve is to provide a front structure of an electric motor vehicle, which not only presents the fewest possible modifications compared to thermal motor vehicles but also which requires the fewest parts. additional. For this purpose, a front structure of an electric motor vehicle is proposed comprising: two lateral front spars each having a front end and an exterior face opposite an interior face, the respective exterior faces of said two spars being opposite one of the other ; two wheel arch plates respectively running along said exterior faces of said two front side members; a sound generator adapted to generate a warning sound; and, a connecting part adapted to be mounted in a fixed position on one of said two lateral front spars, said connecting part having a reception area for receiving said sound generator so as to be able to rigidly connect together said sound generator and said one of said two front side spars.

Thus, a characteristic of the invention lies in the implementation of a connecting part adapted to rigidly secure together the sound generator and one of the front side rails. The front side rails extend the chassis of the motor vehicle forward, up to the front technical side. Therefore, the rigidity of the spars is such that they absorb very little vibration from the sound generator. Therefore, the noise it produces is not altered and it fulfills its warning function.

In addition, said connecting part comprises a cable receiving portion contiguous to said reception zone. Thus, the implementation of the same connecting part, including both the function of maintaining the sound generator on the front spar and the function of retaining the cables, makes it possible to reduce the number of parts necessary for the functions of the electric vehicle. . For example, the reception zone of the connecting part extends below the reception zone of the sound generator.

Preferably, said cable receiving portion has two support plates spaced apart from each other and provided respectively with hooking members. For example, the two support plates are spaced from each other by approximately 200 mm so as to be able to hang the cables without them being able to extend in catenary between the two plates, taking into account their mass linear.

Advantageously, said connecting part is integral with both said one of said two longitudinal members and one of said two corresponding wheel arch plates. In this way, the sound generator is rigidly connected not only to the spar, but also to the wheel arch plate which increases its inertia. Therefore, it is all the more effective when implemented.

Also, said connecting part advantageously presents a lateral fixing plate adapted to be applied against said exterior face of said one of said two lateral front spars. The fixing plate has, for example, two holes, while the spar has two corresponding welded nuts. In this way, the fixing plate can be applied flat against the spar, and it is secured to it by means of two screws. In addition, the outer face of the spar extends substantially vertically and therefore, the fixing plate is also held in a vertical position against the spar. Furthermore, said connecting part comprises in said reception zone, two fixing zones of said sound generator, located at a distance from one another and defining an average direction substantially parallel to said fixing plate. The average direction is defined by a straight line intersecting the two fixation zones substantially in their center. In addition, the two aforementioned nuts are welded to the spar so that the connecting part is oriented so that said average direction is substantially vertical.

Also, said two fixing zones each preferably comprise a positioning tab for said sound generator, the positioning tabs extending substantially parallel to each other and to said fixing plate. In this way, the sound generator can be guided in translation thanks to the positioning tabs when it is driven along the fixing plate.

Preferably, said sound generator slides into said reception zone between said two positioning tabs. In this way, the sound generator is easily placed in the reception area.

Also, said two fixing zones each comprise a tapping located in the vicinity of said positioning tab to be able to secure said sound generator and said connecting part with screwable members. After the sound generator has been guided in translation using the positioning tabs, it is easily held in a fixed position using screwable members, such as fixing screws. According to one embodiment of the invention, said connecting part comprises a C-shaped part adapted to be attached to said one of said two lateral front spars and said receiving zone being located inside said C-shaped part. Thus, the C-shaped part defines the fixing plate, extended, on the one hand by an upper part presenting one of the fixing zones and on the other hand, on the opposite side, by a lower part presenting the other fixing zone.

Other particularities and advantages of the invention will emerge on reading the description given below of particular embodiments of the invention, given for information but not limitation, with reference to the appended drawings in which:

[Fig. 1] is a partial schematic perspective view of a front structural element of a motor vehicle;

[Fig. 2] is a partial schematic perspective view of an element of the invention according to a first variant of execution and capable of cooperating with the object of [Fig. 1] ;

[Fig. 3] is a schematic perspective view of the object of [Fig. 2] cooperating with that of [Fig. 1] ;

[Fig. 4] is a schematic perspective view of the object of [Fig. 3] cooperating with an additional element;

[Fig. 5] is a schematic perspective view of the object of [Fig. 4] cooperating with another additional element; And,

[Fig. 6] is a partial schematic perspective view of an element of the invention according to another variant of execution and capable of cooperating with the object of [Fig. 1].

The object of [Fig. 1] is inscribed in an orthogonal reference frame X, Y, Z, in which the axis the Y axis extends in a transverse direction of the vehicle, oriented from left to right in a driving situation; and the Z axis extends in a vertical direction, oriented away from the ground.

[Fig. 1] thus partially shows a left front spar 10 of a motor vehicle, having an exterior face 12 opposite an interior face 14 and extending longitudinally to a front end 16. In addition, the spar 10 has an opposite lower edge 15 at an upper border 17. Also, [Fig. 1] shows a wheel arch plate 18 running along the exterior face 12 of the longitudinal member 10. In other words, the left front wheel of the motor vehicle, not shown, is located directly above the wheel arch plate 18. In addition , the latter has an inclined portion 20, substantially perpendicular to the exterior face 12 of the longitudinal member 10, and which extends from its lower edge 15 towards the rear of the vehicle, along the component X, up to its upper edge 17.

The inclined portion 20 extends at a distance from the front end 16 of the spar 10.

It will be observed that the spar 10 has two orifices spaced from one another in a vertical direction, an upper orifice 22 located near the upper edge 17, and a lower orifice 24 located near the lower edge 15. These two orifices 22, 24 are respectively provided opposite two nuts not shown and welded against the interior face 14 of the spar 10.

Furthermore, the inclined portion 20 of the wheel arch plate 18 has a first stud 26 extending at a distance from the exterior face 12.

We will now refer to [Fig. 2] in order to describe in detail an essential element of the invention, a connecting part 28, adapted to cooperate with the left front spar 10, as will be explained in more detail later in the description.

Thus, [Fig. 2] shows, seen from three-quarter front left, the connecting part 28. It is made from a single metal piece, cut and stamped. It thus defines an upper reception zone 30 and a lower cable reception portion 32, located below the reception zone 30.

The connecting piece 28 has an upper crosspiece 34 opposite a lower crosspiece 36, two opposite uprights, a long 38 and a short 40, respectively connecting said crosspieces 34, 36. The connecting piece 28 also has a foot 42 also connecting the two crosspieces 34, 36 in the vicinity of the course upright 40 defining a large window 44 and a small window 46.

The foot 42 has a first U-shaped deformed part 48 towards the front of [Fig. 2], which first U-shaped part 48 has a first transverse plate 50, lower, extending transversely opposite the large window 44. Also, the first transverse plate 50 ends in a first positioning tongue 52, lower, s extending projecting opposite the large window 44. In addition, the first transverse plate 50 has a first tapping 54 in the vicinity of the first tongue 52. Thus, the first transverse plate 50 with its first positioning tongue 52 and its thread 54 constitute a first lower fixing zone.

In addition, the upper crosspiece 34 has an upper edge 56 from which an L-shaped portion 58 extends. The L-shaped portion 58 is deformed towards the front of [Fig. 2] so as to define a second transverse plate 60. The second transverse plate 60 extends to the right of the first transverse plate 50 substantially in the same plane. Also, it has a second positioning tab 62 extending to the right of the first tapping 54 of the first transverse plate 50 and a second tapping 64, located at a distance from the second tab 62 and to the right of the first positioning tab 52 of the first transverse plate 50. And in this way, the second transverse plate 60 with its second positioning tongue 62 and its second tapping 64, constitute a second, upper fixing zone.

Furthermore, the connecting part 28 has a lateral fixing plate 66, extending laterally back from the upper crosspiece 34 towards the front of [Fig. 2], The side fixing plate 66 has, at its free end, a first fixing hole 68.

It will be observed that the first 52 and second 62 positioning tabs extend in the same direction parallel to each other and also in the same direction as the lateral fixing plate 66, and also substantially parallel to it.

Also, the first and second fixing zones defined above themselves define an average straight line D, extending substantially parallel to the lateral fixing plate 66.

It will also be observed that the long upright 38 is deformed in a U towards the rear of the part 28, opposite the first U-shaped part 48, and substantially equidistant from the upper 34 and lower 36 crosspieces. Also, a second orifice fixing 69 is practiced in this U-shaped deformation.

Below this reception zone 30 as defined above, the lower reception zone 32 is essentially defined by the two lower parts 70, 72 of the two opposite uprights 38, 40, and by the lower crosspiece 36 which connects the two lower parts 70, 72. It will be observed that these two lower parts 70, 72 are spaced from each other by a distance close to 200 mm. They form two support plates as will be explained below.

Furthermore, the two lower parts 70, 72 each have a free end in which an oblong transverse slot 74 is made.

In addition, they are also each provided, at a predetermined distance from the oblong transverse light 74, with a second stud 76.

Also, it will be observed that the lower crosspiece 36 has, approximately equidistant from the two lower parts 70, 72, a hooking orifices 78.

We will now refer to [Fig. 3], showing the connecting part 28 installed against the exterior face 12 of the spar 10 and resting on the inclined portion 20 of the sheet metal of the wheel arch 18.

We find the lateral fixing plate 66 applied against the exterior face 12 of the spar 10, and the deformed U-shaped portion of the long upright 38 resting against the inclined portion 20, while the first stud 26 extends through the second fixing hole 69.

We also find the first fixing orifice 68 which extends opposite the upper orifice 22 made in the spar 10 and here hidden. The fixing orifice 68 is capable of receiving a screw in order to be able to screw it through the upper orifice 22. In this way, the lateral fixing plate 66 is held in a fixed position against the exterior face 12 of the spar 10.

Furthermore, the first stud 26 is adapted to receive a nut to secure the long upright 38 and the inclined portion 20 of the sheet metal of the wheel arch 18.

Also, [Fig. 3] shows a wheel arch screen 80 partly suspended from the lower crosspiece 36 via a fixing member of the “round fir pin” type 82 engaged through the screen 80 and the hooking hole 78.

We find in [Fig. 4], most of the elements represented in [Fig. 3] and in addition, a bundle of cables 84, running above the wheel arch and curving to come to rest in the lower receiving portion 32 of the connecting part 28.

Also, the cable harness 84 includes a pair of charging socket cables 86 allowing the vehicle's storage battery to be supplied with current. DC, for fast charging and, an 88 AC charging socket cable for standard charging.

The cable bundle 84 comes to support the two lower parts 70, 72 of the two opposite uprights 38, 40, in other words on the two support plates, and also on the lower crosspiece 36 which connects them which is here hidden by the harness 84.

Furthermore, the two lower parts 70, 72 of the two opposite uprights 38, 40 are respectively equipped with a fastener 90. The fasteners 90 are secured via the second studs 76 with which two nuts are associated, and via transverse oblong lights 74 through which a fir tree pawn is engaged.

Also, the fasteners 90 include a flexible link 92 which encloses the cable bundle 84 so that it is held in a fixed position in the lower receiving portion 32 of the connecting part 28.

We find in [Fig. 5], most of the elements represented in [Fig. 4] and in addition, a sound generator 94 installed in the upper reception zone 30 of the connecting part 28. The sound generator 94 is used when the motor vehicle is at low speed, for example less than 30 km/h , generally in urban areas, in order to reproduce the noise usually generated by combustion engine vehicles. This noise helps alert pedestrians or other cyclists of the presence of the vehicle.

Also, it must be rigidly connected to parts of the motor vehicle with high inertia, so that the mechanical vibrations it generates are not absorbed. The spar 10 is suitable for this, and thanks to the connecting part 28, the sound generator 94 can be rigidly connected, not only to the spar 10, but also to the wheel arch plate 18.

Thus, the sound generator 94 has an upper axial slide 96 and a lower axial slide hidden in [Fig. 5], In this way, the sound generator 94 is approached in the upper reception zone 30 so that the second tongue 62 engages through the upper axial slide 96, while on the opposite, the first tongue 52 engages through the lower axial slide. The sound generator 94 then applies against the first and second transverse plates 50, 60. In addition, the sound generator 94 presents an upper bore through which is engaged a fixing screw 98 which is screwed into the second thread 64 of the second plate 60.

On the other hand, it has a lower bore also receiving a fixing screw screwed into the first thread of the first plate 50.

In this way, the sound generator 94 is rigidly connected to the left front spar 10 and to the wheel arch plate 18.

Thus, thanks to the single connecting part 28, the sound generator 94 is connected to the spar 10 and the cable bundle 84 is maintained.

We will describe with reference to [Fig. 6] a connecting part 28' according to the invention according to another alternative embodiment. Also, the elements common with the connecting part 28 illustrated in [Fig. 2] will present the same reference with a prime sign: “‘”.

Thus, [Fig. 6] shows a connecting part 28' defining an upper receiving zone 30' formed in a C-shaped part 100, and a lower cable receiving portion 32' formed in a cut and stamped plate 102.

The C-shaped part 100 comprises a lower branch 104 having a folded edge 106 forming the first lower transverse plate 50'

Also, the first transverse plate 50' has a first lower positioning tongue 52' and a first tapping 54' in the vicinity of the first tongue 52'.

In addition, the C-shaped part 100 comprises an upper branch 108 substantially coplanar with the folded edge 106 and defining a second transverse plate 60'.

The second transverse plate 60' has a second positioning tongue 62' extending to the right of the first thread 54' of the first transverse plate 50' and a second thread 64', located at a distance from the second tongue 62' and to the right of the first positioning tab 52' of the first transverse plate 50'.

Furthermore, the lateral fixing plate 66' of the connecting piece 28' is formed by the portion 110 of the C-shaped part 100 which connects together the lower branch 104 and the upper branch 108. The side fixing plate 66' has two first fixing holes 68'. Below the reception zone 30', the lower reception zone 32' is essentially defined by the two side edges 70', 72' of the cut and stamped plate 102.

The two side edges 70', 72' each have a free end in which an oblong transverse light 74' is made.

They are also each provided, at a predetermined distance from the oblong transverse light 74', with a second stud 76'.

Also, the cut and stamped plate 102 has, approximately equidistant from the two side edges 70', 72', a hooking hole 78'.

Furthermore, a second fixing hole 69' is made in a rear extension of the cut and stamped plate 102.

Thus, the connecting part 28' as described above is applied in the same way to the spar 10 and the wheel arch plate 18 as presented in [Fig. 1].

Claims

[Claim 1] [Front structure of electric motor vehicle comprising:

- two lateral front spars (10) each having a front end (16) and an exterior face (12) opposite an interior face (14), the respective exterior faces of said two spars being opposite each other;

- two wheel arch plates (18) respectively running along said exterior faces (12) of said two front side members (10);

- a sound generator (94) adapted to generate a warning sound; characterized in that it comprises a connecting part (28) adapted to be mounted in a fixed position on one of said two lateral front spars (10), said connecting part (28) having a receiving zone (30) for receive said sound generator (94) so as to be able to rigidly connect together said sound generator and said one of said two front lateral spars (10).

[Claim 2] Front structure of an electric motor vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that said connecting part (28) comprises a cable receiving portion (32) contiguous to said receiving zone (30).

[Claim 3] Front structure of an electric motor vehicle according to claim 2, characterized in that said cable receiving portion (32) has two support plates (70, 72) spaced apart from each other and provided respectively hooking members (90, 92).

[Claim 4] Front structure of an electric motor vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that said connecting part (28) is integral with both said one of said two longitudinal members (10) and one said two corresponding wheel arch plates (18).

[Claim 5] Front structure of an electric motor vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that said connecting part (28) has a lateral fixing plate (66) adapted to be applied against said exterior face ( 12) of said one of said two front side spars (10).

[Claim 6] Front structure of electric motor vehicle according to claim 5, characterized in that said connecting part (28) comprises in said reception zone, two fixing zones of said sound generator, located at distance from each other and defining an average direction substantially parallel to said fixing plate (66).

[Claim 7] Front structure of electric motor vehicle according to claim 6, characterized in that said two fixing zones each comprise a positioning tab (52, 62) of said sound generator (94), the positioning tabs extending substantially parallel to each other and to said fixing plate (66).

[Claim 8] Front structure of an electric motor vehicle according to claim 7, characterized in that said sound generator (94) slides into said reception zone between the two positioning tabs (52, 62).

[Claim 9] Front structure of an electric motor vehicle according to any one of claims 6 to 8, characterized in that said two fixing zones each comprise a tapping (54, 64) located in the vicinity of said positioning tab (52, 62) to be able to secure said sound generator (94) and said connecting part (28) with screwable members.

[Claim 10] Front structure of an electric motor vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that said connecting part (28) comprises a C-shaped part (100) adapted to be attached to said one of said two front longitudinal members lateral (10) and said receiving area being located inside said C-shaped part (100). ]